It has surged in popularity in recent years as shoppers embrace florals in foods and beverages, and reflects “the trend towards curiosity in consumption,” says flavors giant Firmenich, which has selected hibiscus as its flavor of the year for 2019.

The United Nations adopted a draft resolution on improving global nutrition last week. Calling for a focus on improved education to combat obesity, the agency remained silent on the key issues of taxation and nutritional labelling.